With the launch of a new metro line and the extension of the blue line in the city within two months, autos, private cabs and e-rickshaws have started lining up outside metro stations, adding to traffic snarls along the roads in many sectors.

While these modes of transport provide the much needed last mile connectivity to Metro passengers, they have also disturbed traffic on the roads. Some residents, however, have suggested autos should be allowed to stand within the Metro’s service road area to avoid blocking the traffic on roads.

“The Blue Line extension started just last week, but autos have already started crowding the surrounding areas near metro stations, especially Sectors 59 and 62 metro stations. If these are allowed to park haphazardly, the problem will soon become acute, just like Noida City Centre or Botanical Garden,” Amit Gupta, a resident of Sector 77, said.

He added metro station officials informed him that autos cannot be allowed to park in the drop-off area of the station. Stations like Sector 51 and Pari Chowk along the Aqua Lline are reportedly also facing similar problems.

Meanwhile, traffic officials said they have discussed the problem of increasing congestion with both Delhi and Noida metro officials.

The traffic police has asked both the metro teams to find parking space for other modes of transport as the feeder and e-rickshaws facilitated by DMRC and NMRC are not sufficient to cater to all metro users.

“We need the roads to be congestion-free and don’t want the autos,cabs and rickshaws to be parked on the road, but we also realize that those using the metro need autos and e-rickshaws to reach their ultimate destination. We are discussing the issue with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Noida Metro Rail Corporation(NMRC) so that all road users can benefit,” Anil Kumar Jha, superintendent of police (traffic), said.

He added that the metro teams should have planned parking space for such non-government public and private transport before building the stations as the number of such modes is known to increase around mass transit stops.

“It is well known that those who travel by the metro will need auto and rickshaws to travel further and the autos will line up outside the metro stations for the convenience of these commuters. While the there is no space planned for them, other residents expect us to forcefully remove them from outside all stations,” Jha said.

First Published: Mar 13, 2019 02:58 IST